Fuji X100 VI vs Leica Q3 

As someone who shoots the Q and M series, as well as Fujifilm, this is, hands-down, the most factual and nuanced discussion in which these two cameras are compared and contrasted. Thank you.

The fact that the Fuji is even in the dame conversation as the Q3 says a lot about the Fuji.

X100v then spend £5000 on travel

Had an X100v, sold it when I sold all my Fuji gear and switched to Sony for weddings , and picked up a Q2 for me. This was around 2 years ago. Sold the Q2 a month or so ago, and managed to snag an X100vi. Used it for a few days and although I loved the V, after using the Q2 it just wasn’t the same for me anymore. Sold the X100vi, bought a Q3 and over the last week, realised I’ve made the right choice. I wanna take it everywhere with me, and if I didnt have weddings, I’d sell everything and just have the Q3. Incredible camera

The DR 400 comparison is blowing my mind! Well done sir

Pretty sure pal2tech has a DR400 explainer but i can give it a go: When you crank the ISO, the same amount of light is hitting the sensor - but the sensor basically amplifies the signal. When you shoot at DR400 at ISO 640, it exposes the image at 160 - 1/4 of what you specified - and then amplifies the signal 4x (400%) to 640. What it does is then combine those two signals. It can do this in RAW because it’s working with analog signals to achieve this - not the digital file. This is also *why* you have a high ISO requirement - it works at the base ISO and higher, which on the X trans 4 sensor in the X100V and my XT30 is 160 , and then multiplies it. If there’s interest I might make a video, this is a very common question

As an owner of both these cameras I can say that this is the most open-handed, informative, mature comparison of these cameras I've seen on RU-vid. Well done!

I have both cameras as well, and I use them for very different purposes. Like you said, Tyler, the X100 lives in the pocket of the jacket, or you wear it around your torso, to be there 100% of the time, ready to shoot amazingly rendered creative colors. The Q3 is on another level, meaning it does shoot for the most digitally accurate representation, regarding sharpness, contrast, and color, so it’s not for everyday shooting. It’s for that landscape/posed photo that you know you need all the data to work on it after the fact. But there’s one huge difference where the Fuji is king: software. So many times, my Q3 hung and failed because of software, not to mention the loss of photos because of that. That never happened to me on all the 4 X100s I owned. The recent Q3 update fixed a lot of issues, but then again, that update should have been the one released from day one, meaning they have issues with it. Finally, after contacting Leica and looking under the hood at the Leica app, the Q3 accepts .CUBE files to render on camera, like the Lumix cameras do, but just not officially. If that becomes a trend, the X100 series will have some tough competition. Great video as always!

Dr400 is a must, have been using it since xt1 days, the extra dynamic range you got is impressive. I have never been impressed by smartphone dynamic range until iphone 15 pro, because the fuji is just as good as the iphone

Dont worry about laying your camera flat for the leaf shutter, that was a problem with the older Medium Format leaf shutters since they were so heavy and the mechanisms werent as robust as they are today. The modern leaf shutters are made with vertical storage in mind since the 2000s, so store it anyway you want. It wont damage 👍

Hilarious that at 6:54 you just contradicted the entire strength of the Fuji system. You can do that all in camera, and once dialed in, not only have a full cohesive set of perfect JPEGs, but also save it into a profile. Throw the editing PC out the window and enjoy shooting! Fuji freed me from the headache of wasting time messing with RAW, and I shoot combined JPEG/RAW so the back up is there if I need it. The thing is, for the price of the Leica you can have the X100VI and an additional medium format GFX that simply is far beyond the Leica in regards to utility potential. Great review!

Every time I learn something new from your videos 🤯 by far the best comparison between the Q3 and X100VI. For me, someone that also used both, the Q3 is by far higher quality in every aspect, but also less fun. It felt more like work. FUJI: Vibe, Atmosphere, Street, experimental Leica: Ads, Social Media, clean images

Hey Tyler - thanks for the great video. The DR400 under exposes by 2 stops and then brightens it back up in camera by those two stops and saves the highlights that way. The ISO shown is actually reflects the comparative ISO after it's been brought up by 2 stops. In order to compare the DR100 and DR400 you need to underexpose the DR100 by 2 stops and then raise it back up again in LR - I expect you will see the similar results when doing things that way. Shooting RAW at DR400 is the same as shooting DR100 with -2 exposure comp all except the way the image will be displayed afterwards on the back screen and the starting point with lightroom. The RAW data is still the same. The real advantage of this is when shooting Jpeg since it allows you some of the Dynamic range advantages of RAW while shooting JPEG.

Thanks! Nicely done. I have the Fuji XT5, the Q2M, and the iPhone 14 right now and I’m very happy with my gear and my range! I’ll keep following you! Geoff

Just got my X100vi, and your video is the best I've seen so far at explaining nuances. Thought I should wanted to thank you for that.

The elephant in the room is that the X100VI is far more portable than the Q3. Which is the main point of the X100VI- the best camera is the one you have on yourself at all times. Unfortunately, the Q3's massive fixed lens actually makes it less portable than most cameras. Coupled with that extreme price tag, you're far more likely to take out X100VI and get more use out of it.

DR settings are also applied to RAW files. It shoots underexposed photo, thus having a lot of room for highlights, and then it pushes the exposure digitally to make it look normal.

I didn’t think a fixed camera would ever be for me.. but since I got my x100vi I’ve hardly touched my Nikon Z8.. the convenience is a huge selling point.. the flash and nd filter are game changing also.. went to Dubai and it’s all I took with me and it was fantastic. I hope to one day test a Leica to see what the fuss is but I don’t think with the price point i can be sold

Great video!! But Sorry gotta roll my eyes on the leaf shutter store facing up tip. With all the leaf shutters I’ve used in 40 years in various lenses I’ve never heard this suggested nor have I had an issue

Nd filter you can activate with the evf/ovf selector if you hold on for 3 seconds. You can use the fn button for another use.

if you move the lever on the front of the X100VI for 3 seconds it sets up the ND filter on and off, freeing up the function button. its a default setting for the X1006

Your comparison is spot-on. A small comment though on your intuition about DR (7:33), while the DR400 setting does adjust exposure downward during capture and then compensates by boosting shadows and mid-tones, it's essential to note that reducing exposure in Lightroom doesn't directly alter the light hitting the sensor. This setup is ideal for JPG shooting but compromises image quality in raw files. DR400 effectively reduces dynamic range by almost 2 stops, visible mainly in shadow areas. While Fuji's processing enhances JPGs with noise reduction and shadow boost, it sacrifices raw file potential. You can easily replicate it by underexposing your pictures 1 or 2 stops at minimum iso and then boosting midtones and shadows, although, the precise curve fuji uses is quite elusive.

That DR400 vs DR100 setting difference was shocking! That’s a really fascinating difference

Q3 macro is forced f/2.8, so the X100VI is at a bit of a disadvantage at macro distances at f/2 by comparison. Just stopping down the 100VI to f/2.2 makes a huge difference.

Dear Tyler, here’s what I think is going on with the DR settings: Modern camera sensors are (mostly) ISO-less. This means that technically speaking the RAW data from the sensor should be able to have any selectable ISO setting applied afterwards. Unfortunately, all camera manufactuers are not transparent about this (see Tony Northrups video about it) When you set ISO 100 in camera, to achieve a ‘normal’ exposure on the meter, your exposure settings needed will deliver more light, leading to faster highlight blowout. If you raise the in camera ISO and compensate your SS/Iris, you will deliver the sensor less light overall. this should mean highlight detail is retained more. Where we get into speculation is what Fujifilm is doing in DR400 setting to achieve the same overall ‘exposure’ just with more highlight detail. But it makes sense why this should work, if the fujifilm sensors are overall more sensitive to highlight overexposure.

Finally, a truly clear and frank discussion of the Fuji X100VI without all the hype. I appreciated, and thank you.

I’ve shot every generation of X100 since 2011 and have *never* heard of storing it lens up. Never had an issue with any of my cameras storing it ‘normal’ or sideways in a bag. Also never had an issue with my decades old hasselblad 501c and any of its leaf shutter lenses. Regarding DR, I have always shot Fujis at ISO400 with the increased dynamic range

For me the X100vi became a totally different camera after I started shooting JPEG with the film presets. I absolutely love it. The Leica's (M11 in my case) beats the Fuji hands down in RAW. Just wish the X100vi had 30 or so custom settings to have a bunch of classic films and then room for some experimental films.

Thanks for mentioning the DR function. I can’t speak for all amateur photographers, but I personally find this to be so helpful and is the single most powerful tool to avoid additional editing. I like using the DR400 for my Fujifilm. I would love a look into how the DR function (D-lighting) works for Nikon system. It seems to keep the base ISO and (in my opinion) does an even better job.

Be aware of the X100VI and its focusing abilities on near infinity distances. I have the X100VI and I love it. But, on a recent assignment, I came home with 35 images in a row of a stationary object - all out of focus. I felt that something was wrong the I was shooting and kept shooting and re-focusing. However, I still didn't get a single image with correct focus. This problem also occurs with wide angles on X-H2. Another note: The Leica Q is equipped with a 25mm lens that is cropped in to 28mm. This gives you a different compression than if it had been a straight 28mm.

In DR400, the camera is taking the photo at an actual ISO of -2 EV. So when you shot at ISO 500 with DR400, it was actually captured with the sensor gain at ISO 125 and the camera boost the shadows and midtones in camera and baked into the RAW files. In contrast, when you shot at ISO 500 with DR100, it was shot with the sensor gain set at actual ISO 500. Other cameras can do this too BUT they don't bake it into the raw file. Instead, it's just metadata that your software may or may not acknowledge. For example, if I use a similar feature on my Nikon Z (Active D-Lighting), some tone sliders will be adjusted already when I import the RAW file in Lightroom. The beauty in Fujifilm's implementation is it makes the sliders on the editing app much more powerful in highlight recovery. The only downside is possible more noise and loss of detail in the shadows and mids but they hardly matter as the in-camera processing is very good and looks natural. I always have it on my GFX and on my X-Series cameras when I still had one.

Tyler. Not sure if you knew but you don’t have to map the top button to the nd filter. It’s already mapped out if the box to the viewfinder toggle. Simply hold it down for 3 seconds and it will activate the nd. Your welcome.

got my q3 in all places in dubai on a 1 day layover was the last one in stock they just got it in stock an hour ago from deliveries and picked it up. was nervous about dropping 6k but man..... i love that camera its all i use now. Having sonys, nikons, and fujis. Just because of the build quality the size and the colors and quality of glass is just unmatched. have a order for a fuji x100vi but keep getting pushed back by months...

They’re both great; inspiring and fun to use. (I’ve owned the earlier versions.) I took the original Q on a long motorcycle trip, which worked out fine, although the x100 would be better, in a way, both for its smaller size as well as the lower cost in case anything happens to it.

The DR settings are just baking in some tone curve manipulation, I tested the settings last year with my Xyla 21 to have a good handle on what it's doing. If you are ok with slightly noisier shadows, but gain a stop or two of highlight information, then it's totally worth it.

Great review Tyler but you forgot to mention a very very important feature on Fujifilm X100VI, which is Hybrid Viewfinder! I am using X100F and Hybrid Viewfinder is the main reason that I love this camera. It's a very unique technology and well implemented in this compact camera. If you switch off LCD screen and only use Hybrid Viewfinder, you can shoot all day with its little battery. Besides there is a lens hood for Fujifilm X100VI, which is little and neat.

hey i'm not sure if you're still responding to comments on here but i've never heard that it's better to lay the camera down because of the leaf shutter. do you have any resources or links with more information on this? i have never heard this and couldn't find anything when google searching. i just see people asking whether or not it's better to leave the shutter cocked. i also haven't heard anybody else mention it when talking about the x100 series.

thanks for the video. is there any difference in dynamic range between full resolution Leica dng and dngs of smaller sizes? I ask because canon and sony suffer DR losses in medium and small raws.

With respect to the choice it really depends on one’s use case senario. If they are going to the camera for leisure or for semi pro or for super pro use. As a advertisement photographer I use the LEICA Q3 because it can tether into captureone, it has a leaf shutter (handy when using strobes on a strong sunny day when the HSS don’t fly) & the image quality that this lens can produce + the 60mp. The way my clients can crop the images for various use cases and adaptation which still look great with all its details. I had the X100v before the Q3. Tye optic quality wasn’t even as good as my Fujifilm X70.

I tried out both. I went with the VI. The Q3 only had a slightly wider FOV and slightly lower pixel density but the images from both were remarkably similar. The in-body stabilization on the VI vs the optical stabilization on the Q3 was also a big plus for the VI. And the VI is a lot lighter. I think you mentioned the cost difference, too. That also helped.

That was very interesting. I was watching another photographer make the comparison between the two camera, and he was struggling to convey why photographs of vegetables on a countertop would "pop" with the Leica with a three dimensionality, which the Fuji wouldn't. Your Macro dollhead comparison, and the tower telephoto both addressed that for me: I think there's just something computational that camera/lens combo is doing at resolved a granular "super-focus" right on the surfaces, while the Fuji is being...well. Every other digital camera. I want the Fuji because it just tugs at me in a memory of being a kid and "that's what dad's expensive camera looks like", but those "focus lock-on" experiments make me want to know more about how exactly the Leica is doing that. Thanks, Tyler!

I have been using Fuji film cameras since 2014. In layman’s terms - it reduces highlights by 2 stops with the 400% and 1 stop with the 200% on RAW images too not just the in camera Jpegs, it’s baked in helps when shooting high contrast scenes. With respect to the base ISO it’s different between the medium format vs the aps-C format & the camera’s base ISO. Medium format 1 stop - 200% - 200iso Medium format 2stops - 400% - 400iso I don’t recollect how much it was on the APS-C cameras.

Your observation about storing the camera is intriguing. I didn't come across any mention of it in the manual, but it's good to be aware of. Additionally, the camera was positioned this way in the box

So every camera has a set amount of Dynamic Range stops. however you are able to kinda choose whether you want those stops to occupy more of the shadows of an image or more of the highlights of an image by setting your ISO to different amounts. For example: if you're shooting in low light you actually want to keep your ISO LOWER because that allows you to retain higher dynamic range and detail in the shadows (this is how in cinema they are able to shoot scenes that look pretty much pitch black but still retain detail and don't have any noise). On the opposite end, if you're shooting a bright scene you actually want to use a higher (within reason) ISO because that places the camera's dynamic range stops closer to the highlights of the image therefore giving you more detail in the highlights kinda like what you showed on the demonstration of DR400. I'm sure Fuji also has the DR400 setting as the high dynamic range mode which adds to the whole higher ISO giving you more detail in the highlights. the RU-vid "Jimmy on Film" has a pretty good video explaining and demonstrating this called "Your ISO Settings Are Ruining Your Filmmaking".

great video. as clean as always. That DR400 just opened my eyes. will try it out on my XT1 and XT2

I will soon have both cameras and I believe each has it's own use. The Q3 can be used for professional work, sometimes all on it's own. I did events only with it and it worked wonders. The fuji I will use mostly for street and casual travel. But so the Leica. Depends of what I feel like using :))

If u have the budget for it and want the best, get the Q. If u are a bit tight on budget, having to make severe compromise to buy the Q, then fuji x100vi is a great choice for similar niche, but only when it is actually at msrp. I would rather buy a second hand q2 at 3k for rather than buying a new fuji x100vi at the same price.

You can definitely see the increased resolution and sharpness around the eyes. It is surely a significant boost.

Wanted to weigh in on the DR400 topic. It has been known that these modern hybrid sensors always work better when they are giving a base ISO that isn't too low because if you shoot at too low of a ISO you don't have much latitude to pull back, but if you are at a higher ISO you are given more information to dial back to. This just shows that these hybrid sensors are now are now better utilized at a ISO 400 or 800, same as you would if you were shooting video.

Some day I will have a Leica but the compact size, built-in flash, ND filter and color recipes just make the X100VI such a great choice for how I'd use it. I really wish other companies understood the appeal of these cameras and gave us an option that was somewhere between $1500 and $6000 (and also actually available for purchase).

8:09 dude… had no idea. Thank you for bringing this to light!

DR modes in Fuji cameras just mean that the camera is underexposing and then increasing brightness to compensate for the darker image. It‘s convenient because you see the correctly exposed image on camera and your raw converter but you can bring back the clipped highlights. It‘s however exactly the same effect as underexposing manually and increasing exposure in the raw converter. In both cases the backside is increased noise.

I have a Q2 and was shocked how solid/high quality the X100VI feels. It’s no Leica …. But I borrowed a X100V and it felt like a toy. No idea why.

My thoughts on Fuji DR settings. If you only shoot jpeg, the DR settings (DR200 or DR400) can be a useful way to preserve your highlights. But the DR settings definitely do affect the raw files, as the DR settings basically underexpose the image in camera. So if you only shoot raw, I’d suggest you turn off DR (ie set to DR100), turn on the blinkies and protect your highlights in camera (using manual control or the exposure compensation dial). If you shoot both jpeg and raw, I still think it’s preferable to turn off DR and control your exposure in camera rather than using the DR settings. Others may disagree.

*(almost) NOBODY talks about DR200 and 400, and even less people talk about Dynamic Range priority, which is INCREDIBLE and makes an enourmous difference in both film sims, and also preserving shadows or highlights in otherwise impossible situations.

one thing often gets lost in translation when reviewing Leica (Hasselblad, etc.) camera gear vs. traditional consumer/prosumer gear. i spend a lot of time in the audiophile community as well, and an important thing to learn quickly is: you are only the customer of a product when you can purchase it and not notice the difference in your bank account - regardless of if it costs $100, $1,000, or $10,000. The same is absolutely true here. If $6K for a fixed-lens camera sounds like anger-inducing absurdity, remember: you are not the customer. thanks for the comparison and sharing your thoughts! both of these cameras are beautiful. appreciate your insights.

Dr400 is at the base iso of the sensor , or higher, lower iso is sintetic. The same applies to video, filmmaker understand better base iso and the influence of it on the image

Great video, just quick question do you use any filter on your Q3???

Nice comparison video! 3 observations: 1)The Fuji is dope! Love their colors & 'recipes' customization feature! 2) That Leica Q3 is a little beast and dare I say even sweeter than the Fuji (Fuji's recipe's system notwithstanding) but at the penalizing cost of multiple times that of the Fuji possibly a 50/50 toss up. 3) Incorrect statement about 'no other camera brand doing anything interesting with color' comparable to Fuji. Panasonic Lumix Realtime LUT feature is probably the ULTIMATE color customization feature available in any current camera(?). Great video as always though. 🙂

7:04 been shooting dr400 at 640 iso since 2020! game changer. This is how sensors should have been designed from the start instead of clipping highlights, the OPPOSITE of how traditional film responds. If the Leica M11 had this feature, it would be the perfect camera. Especially the monochrom edition that already had a great high Iso response.

Still not sure why the insistence on comparing these two cameras. They are quite different. The X100VI has an APS-C sensor; full frame for the Q3. Fuji is $1600; Leica is $6000. They both have their advantages and disadvantages including, unfortunately, both being back-ordered likely well into the future. I currently have a Fujifilm X100F, a Leica SL-2 and a Lumix G9. If I can snag one, I'd like to get the Leica D-lux 8 when it is released. In other words, infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

This is the best Fuji and Leica comparison video I've seen so far.

As someone who jumped from a x100v (not vi) to a Q3, I can say with confidence that the Fuji x100v line and the Leica Q line are perfect examples of the Pareto principle. You can achieve 80% with the Fuji, but for the remaining 20% you have to go into the (expensive) Leica rabbit hole. One additional point, which is often missed in such comparisons: there is nearly no 3rd Party aftermarket for Leica. You want a 2nd battery? Grab an official one for 170 €…

Q3 far superior with NO question, but if you afraid to pick it up, carry it with you everywhere - what's the point?

If only the Q3 came with a 50mm lens option. The 28mm is wide for what I like to shoot.

Interesting to note that the Q3 is leaf shutter... I would think that type of shutter would have problems quickly closing and then opening and closing for the actual exposure, as it has to with an evf. I would think that the Fuji shutter would wear much more slowly when using the ovf. Shut-open-shut in quick succession seems like a lot more stress than open-shut, it would be interesting to know if this is actually the case.

The X100V has the same lens as the X100VI. It’s also been demonstrated that the lens isn’t capable of taking full advantage of the 40mp sensor.

Thanks for sharing such valuable information! I need some advice: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (behave today finger ski upon boy assault summer exhaust beauty stereo over). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

Tip, if you hold the EVF/OVF switch to the right for few seconds it enables and disables the ND out of the box. Easier to reach and you can use the other button for something else.

got the x100v when it first came out and wasn't sold out with all the hype. had it for 2 months. sold and got a used Q. never looked back. now have a q3.

Oh! I didn't know about the DR400 setting. That's huge.

An excellent review. I have both cameras and can't disagree with the comments. The x100vi is definitely sharper than the x100v and ive been very impressed with the outputs by comparison. The ND filter and the portability are massive positives in favour of the Fuji. Given the expense of the Q3 it also means that there are occasions where the x100vi feels the safer option and offers a more discrete shooting experience. For example, as a holiday / travel camera in particular it has advantages and it's easier to take on the work commute. The Q3 is by far the better camera and the build quality is much better - whilst the Fuji fits into the pocket it also feels a lot more flimsy and plastic compared to the Q3. The two cameras have personality and both are fun to use. I shoot with the Fuji in much the same way as a Leica range finder with reliance on manual / zone focusing and hence whilst i can't comment on the autofocus capabilities of the x100vi i certainly can't fault the manual focusing. All in all the x100vi is good value and a distinct upgrade on the x100v. I am privileged to own both the Q3 and the x100vi. The former is the 'better' camera but the x100vi certainly has its advantages.

Thank you for this truly excellent comparison. Though many out there claim its not a fair comparison due to the price range and So call different “Class” But you pick a very objective point to compare as both are “compact large sensor fixed prime lens”. I had placed preorder for x100vi but was taken aback as now the waiting time like uncertain.. Yet suddenly an opportunity opened to me to buy Leica Q3 which I did buy..So before “Buyer’s remorse or regrets” setting in me I’m trying to find some justifications !

THANK YOU for making this video! I was just opening RU-vid to see the difference and you uploaded this at the same time. Thats GOOD timing right there hahaha! Cheers Tyler

Hey Tyler, do you have an X100V to compare? A lot of the focus/sharpness was fixed with the V lens. Great comparison!

I thought @pal2tech explains the behavior fir DR 100,200,400 in his video „Fujifilm Dynamic Range Settings“ quite well.

Excellent comparative review! However, there is one thing that I have to say I am skeptical about - "Because these are leaf shutters, you should store them flat". Seriously? Do you have any documentation to prove that? I would think Leica would have mentioned that in their documentation if that was the case. I think that must be just your preference and there is no truth to what you said about storing the cameras flat when not in use.

This is the exactly the video I have been waiting for

Tyler, I love the discussions you have with other professionals and your views on equipment. But we are all over-thinking this Fuji vs Leica thing. My “monkey mind” wants the latest & greatest gear available, And my creative side is just thankful for having any cool picture taking device with me all the time. For commercial work, I grab my bag of Sony gear. I know the bodies & lenses so well, I can use them blindfolded. For taking fun photos of friends, family & street scenes I keep experimenting, looking for the easiest to use and sharpest results. Recently, I found my “grail camera”. It's super-simple to use, fantastically sharp, and I didn’t have to sell a kidney to afford it. Bought a used Leica Q-P for under $2k and loving every minute that it’s in my hands. I don’t take it out in the rain, but I’ve never been this happy with a purchase. Ever… For my personal shots, I don’t need a Q3 with 60 megapixels, improved auto focus, tilt screen and a $6k+ price. I just want fun sharp photos. Bottom line - this camera makes me smile, and that makes me happy!

DR400 Answered. As I understand it DR 200 and DR 400 Basically Take multiple photos. The reason the ISO needs up is because it is taking the shadows from those exposures and highlights from a lower ISO. You do lose a little bit of detail at DR 400. However most never see it. Doing it all in the background in real time makes it hard to wrap my head around. Now if they could just make clarity work with out having to wait for the black out.

Thanks for this video. Very interesting. I agree all cameras should have an ND filter. And perhaps simulate other filters too.

I had an X-100V and I hated it. Fujifilm’s menus are annoying and frustrating. I got rid of it and went back to using my Canon 5D Mk IVs. I am going to buy a Q3, and I will use it every day. I used Hasselblads for 30 years, so the weight of a Q3 is nothing.

It's interesting what you say about the best position to store digital cameras with leaf shutter. I had never read that they should not be stored vertically, I imagine you mean if they are stored for very long periods of time.

If mine ever arrives, I'll test the DR 400 as well

Great comparison, I loved the depth of the content.

This is the first video I’ve seen from you and I’ve subbed! :)

Thank you for that DR400 detail. Indeed not a lot of info about that online. But yeah... if you have the money to spend on a Leica , go ahead but the difference between the two is so minimal that for anyone else it makes no sense to spend money on basically "the brand". No one can convince me that Leica cannot actually reduce the price of their product if they wanted to. I think they just like the idea that not every riff-raff can afford their cameras and it's still considered "premium" just based on that fact.

Interesting conversation on the sharpness. Can you get close by tweaking the sharpness setting on film simulation?

Appreciate the insight on the topic Tyler..thank you!....it's funny people have mentioned for that price point and "German engineering" you would think that they would have had the flip screen to be way more flush with the body, like the X100VI..Fuji is so seamless looking and feeling compared to the Q3..totally noticeable at the 4:29 mark..lol .its subtle obviously but the design could have been way better..maybe on the Q4..they will borrow some design cues from Fuji..haha

In the portraits of Anya and her mom, I would say the x100f is just slightly sharper than the x100vi. Of course the Q3 is the sharpest but, at this mid distance, the x100f held up very well.

Increasing ISO generally shifts Dynamic Range to the highlights, which is why you have to increase ISO to access DR400 / 800. DR100 is meant for low light / controlled conditions where you don’t have as much contrast, and you need your dynamic range shifted to the shadows. It’s counter intuitive but that’s how 95% of camera sensors work.

Wow, a really excellent in-depth Compo vid of the Fuji 6 and the Q3. And the gem of info that Fuji photos are much near to their full potential than the Leica (Raw ?) images which need some grading to get to their best, is a very useful and pertinent piece of info. I’ll need to re-watch again - at least once more - to glean all the info you pumped out. Great, thks.

How do VIEWFINDERS compare? and differentiate

The Fuji is an ok camera with an average Pancake lens that can't resolve that resolution and you can't replace. The Leica Q is a 3 thousand dollar camera that you buy for 6 thousand dollars. And you can't change the lens.

Have you played with the Ricoh GR iiix at all? Interested to hear opinions on that in comparison to these

I wonder how much the shutter blades weigh.

Great review, thanks! One question: What's the advantage using the ND filter versus higher shutter speeds? The electronic shutter could manage even a F2 in very bright situations? Where am I wrong? 🙂

On the X100VI you just need to use the top wheels one time to put it in T mode, then put the iso on the small front wheel dial and shutter speed on the back wheel dial.

As with shooting transparency film in the old days, shooting JPEG will teach you more about proper exposure than RAW processing can. It removes the crutch of RAW (you siad you "always add some presets" in processing your RAW files). Learn the camera's capabilities shooting JPEG and you have more photography time, less computer time.

DR 200 and 400 is the camera underexposing the file, and then bumping the exposure back up to the exposure you chose. This is how Fuji themselves have explained it: "To access these 200% and 400% settings, you’ll need to be using an ISO sensitivity at least one stop or two stops higher than the base ISO, respectively (eg if your camera’s lowest ISO is ISO 160, you’ll need to set ISO 640 to use a dynamic range of 400%). You’ll notice there is also an AUTO setting - this chooses either 100% or 200% depending on the conditions. On FUJIFILM cameras, Dynamic Range works by first deliberately underexposing the image to protect highlight detail, then boosting shadow brightness when the sensor data is converted in a JPEG file by the image processor. Dynamic Range is also one of the bracketing options available in the SHOOTING SETTING > DRIVE SETTING menu. If you’re not sure how much to apply, this is a great way of covering all the bases. Also available on selected X Series cameras is D Range Priority. This uses the Dynamic Range settings described above in conjunction with the camera’s Highlights and Shadows settings to really pull back detail in problem areas."